The song "Paradise" by The Everly Brothers tells the story of a nostalgic look back at the singer's childhood and the changes that have occurred in their hometown of Muhlenberg County in Western Kentucky. The song begins with the singer reminiscing about their family trips to Muhlenberg County where their parents were born. They mention a backward old town that they often remember, with memories that have become worn over time. The singer then asks their father to take them back to Muhlenberg County, specifically to the area by the Green River where Paradise used to be. However, their father regrets to inform them that it's too late as Mr. Peabody's coal train has already hauled it away. The song continues to highlight the impact of the coal industry on the region. The singer recalls traveling down the Green River to an abandoned prison, where the air smelled like snakes and they would shoot at empty pop bottles. It signifies the loss of innocence and the adverse effects of the coal industry on the environment. The lyrics depict the arrival of the coal company with the world's largest shovel, representing destructive industrialization. The company harvested timber and stripped the land, leaving it forsaken. They deemed it progress, but the locals suffered the consequences. In the end, the singer expresses their wish to have their ashes float down the Green River upon their death, symbolizing their deep attachment and connection to their homeland. They envision their soul reaching halfway to Heaven, with Paradise waiting just five miles away from wherever they are. Overall, "Paradise" reflects the singer's longing for a lost, idyllic past and the irreversible changes brought about by industrialization in their hometown. It also serves as a commentary on the destructive nature of progress and the loss of natural beauty and harmony.
